Three Cougars Qualify for Nationals

AUSTIN, Texas – On day one of the NCAA West Preliminary Round three members of the BYU men’s and women’s track teams advanced to Nationals while eight others advanced to the quarterfinal rounds on Friday and Saturday.

Alden Bahr and Jared Ward finished fifth and ninth, respectively, in the men’s 10,000 meters to advanced to the NCAA Outdoor National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, at Drake Stadium. Allyson Anderson took fifth in the women’s javelin to punch her ticket to Nationals.

Five BYU men advanced to the quarterfinals, including Cade Lindahl (400 meters), Ryan Waite (800 meters), Justin Hedin (800 meters), Miles Batty (1,500 meters) and Chris Carter (400 meter hurdles). Batty will compete on Saturday while the others will fight for a spot at Nationals on Friday.

Nachelle Mackie had the best place for a BYU athlete on Thursday, taking second in the 800 meters to advance to Friday’s quarterfinal round. Lacey Bleazard (800 meters) and Candace Eddy (1,500 meters) also advanced to the quarterfinals in their respective events.